Thursday, April 18, 2019

Eric Clapton delivered the first electric performance of his 1970 classic, “Layla”, in six years during an April 13 show at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan.

Rolling Stone reports the opening of a five-night stand at the legendary venue saw Clapton create a buzz in the room when he and the band kicked into the song, which has been presented in a stripped-down, acoustic version for years based on its appearance on his smash 1992 set, “Unplugged.”

Following the April 13 concert, the guitarist returned "Layla" to acoustic status for the next three performances in Tokyo, with the series scheduled to wrap up on April 20.

The original version of the song – as featured on Derek And The Dominos’ double album, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” – included a guest appearance by Duane Allman on lead and slide guitar.

The tune peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on its way to album sales of more than a million in the country; the 1992 acoustic version hit No. 12 on the US chart while becoming a staple at adult contemporary radio.